Cost of Living: Corpus Christi, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Corpus Christi

Texas
78
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Corpus Christi is 38% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,230/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 56%
$66,325/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 41%
$197,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 101%
$1,225/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 30%
317,383
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corpus Christi, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $27,046/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corpus Christi is $197,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Corpus Christi residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corpus Christi vs Surprise — common questions

Is Corpus Christi or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corpus Christi and Surprise?
Median rent in Corpus Christi is $1,230/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Corpus Christi or Surprise?
Median household income is $66,325 in Corpus Christi and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $27,046/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Corpus Christi or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,230/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Corpus Christi details → View Surprise details →

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